Discover the people, clubs and ideas shaping community footy across NSW and the ACT.
Community Stories brings together volunteer spotlights, club stories and practical case studies that show what’s happening across the local game.
From volunteers making a difference to clubs trying new ideas and finding ways to grow, connect and support their communities, these stories are a chance to learn from others and celebrate the people behind local footy.
2026 AFL Sydney Junior Volunteer of the Year
PRESIDENT OF THE NEWTOWN SWANS
MEGAN MCINNES
Megan McInnes has been at the heart of the Newtown Swans for five years as a committee member, including the past three as President, helping build a welcoming club community centred on its players, families and volunteers.
Her contribution has stretched well beyond the traditional duties of a president. She has been hands-on at club events and match days, from working the BBQ and speaking with families to organising fundraising initiatives, supporting coaches and managers, securing prizes and opportunities for the club, and managing relationships with council. Megan has also championed inclusion and new opportunities through football, supporting connections between female coaches and junior players and pushing to establish a Kickability program at Newtown.
That commitment saw Megan McInnes named the 2026 Trev Byrne Volunteer of the Year at the AFL Sydney Juniors Presentation Night. The award recognises a volunteer who provides notable service to their community club and acts in the best interests of the game, and Megan's contribution epitomised that spirit. The presentation highlighted her tireless work to give Newtown's players and families the best possible experience, her willingness to take on multiple roles, support coaches and managers, ensure match days ran smoothly, and work closely with local council. Perhaps the best illustration of her commitment came during the wet weather, when she was spotted using a towel to soak water from the middle of the pitch in an effort to get football played.
After receiving the award, Megan described her time as President as "full-on, but personally very rewarding", and confirmed that while her presidency is ending as her daughter finishes junior football, she intends to remain involved with the Newtown Swans as a volunteer in 2027.